Climate Controlled Spaces as Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility providers face challenges in managing peak and off-peak energy demands, as well as excess energy production from alternate sources like solar and wind power, which can lead to inefficiencies and disruptions in energy distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes climate-controlled spaces as energy storage units, calibrated to absorb surplus energy and supply energy during peak demand periods by adjusting heating/cooling ratios, allowing them to act as both energy sinks and sources through direct load control algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility providers invest in additional power generating capacity to meet peak demand, then energy supply reliability during peak periods is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools climate controlled spaces during off-peak periods when energy is abundant and inexpensive, storing thermal energy in the form of cold air. This preliminary action allows the spaces to serve as thermal batteries that can supply cooling during peak demand periods without requiring additional power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces climate controlled spaces as an intermediary thermal storage medium between the energy supply system and the load. These spaces absorb excess energy during off-peak periods and release it during peak periods, mediating the mismatch between energy supply and demand without requiring additional generation capacity.
2Device complexity
If utility providers use load shedding to reduce peak demand, then system cost is reduced, but energy service reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools spaces before peak demand periods, storing thermal energy that can be used to maintain comfortable temperatures during peak periods. This allows the system to avoid load shedding while still managing peak demand, maintaining both reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The climate controlled spaces serve themselves by storing thermal energy during off-peak periods and using it to meet their own cooling demands during peak periods. This self-service capability reduces the need for utility provider intervention through load shedding while maintaining service reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If utility providers shut down critical energy sources to offset surplus energy from alternate sources, then energy distribution stability is improved, but future energy supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal storage spaces as an intermediary buffer between alternate energy sources and the energy distribution system. These spaces absorb surplus energy from alternate sources during periods of excess generation and release it when needed, stabilizing the distribution system without requiring shutdown of critical energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of energy utilization by storing energy when it is abundant and releasing it when it is needed. This parameter transformation allows the system to accommodate variable output from alternate energy sources while maintaining stable energy distribution and avoiding shutdown of critical sources.
4Productivity
If utility providers cycle loads during direct load control events, then peak energy consumption is reduced, but consumer comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools spaces before peak demand periods when load control would be applied. By storing thermal energy in advance, the system can maintain consumer comfort during peak periods even when cooling loads are reduced or interrupted, eliminating the need for aggressive load cycling that would compromise comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient management of energy storage and distribution, reducing the need for additional power generation during peak demand and mitigating the impact of energy surpluses from alternate sources, thereby enhancing grid reliability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
climate controlled spaces as energy storage units for 'receiving' surplus energy and for 'supplying' energy when needed
Implementation Method 2
calculating a heating/cooling ratio for the one or more climate controlled spaces
Implementation Method 3
using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy 'sources,' in which a direct load control algorithm is used to reduce energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing an energy supply of a utility provider include calibrating one or more climate controlled spaces for a controller. The calibrating may include calculating a heating/cooling ratio for the one or more climate controlled spaces. After this calibration occurs, the system may determine if an energy supply surplus exists. If an energy supply surplus exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy sinks for expending energy according to the heating/cooling ratio. The system may also determine if an energy supply deficit exists and if an energy supply deficit exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy “sources,” in which a direct load control algorithm is used to reduce energy consumption by the one or more climate controlled spaces.